Art, music, drama and other humanistic disciplines are vital to the fullest development of human potential. They must not be looked upon as educational "frills," but as components of education fully as important as "basics" such as reading, writing and math. Evidence exists that exposure to the arts actually helps children develop their brains, by stimulating greater body awareness and less muscular inhibition. Lack of such stimulation leads to inhibitions in the motor cortex and in the ability to think certain kinds of thoughts and feel certain kinds of feelings. Study of the arts also enhances self-concept and stimulates intellectual curiosity. School librarians have a special power and responsibility to direct children's education. Providing the arts as an integral part of formal education is a necessity that must not be denied. (Author)